Abstract: A method for applying a metallic protective coating to a surface of a steel product, where another surface is to remain free from the metallic protective coating, may involve applying the metallic protective coating by hot dip coating in a hot dip coating bath. A preliminary coating may be applied to the surface that is to remain free from the metallic protective coating prior to the hot dip coating. The preliminary coating may include SiO2 and may prevent the metallic protective coating from adhering to the intended surface during hot dip coating. Thus one surface of a steel product may be provided with a metallic protective coating, and another surface of the steel product may be kept free from the protective coating, all with a minimum of cost and complexity and with optimized resource economics.